BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 27, Day 3: Revelation 21:11-21

Summary of Revelation 21:11-21

John continues to describe New Jerusalem, saying it shone with the glory of God. It had a great high wall with 12 gates and angels who guarded the gates. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates.There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The city was laid out in a square. The wall was made of jasper, the city was made of pure gold. The foundations fo the walls were decorated with precious stones. The streets were gold.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 27, Day 3: Revelation 21:11-21

6a) Jasper, gold, sapphires, agates, emeralds, onyx, rubies, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, turquoise, jacinth, amethyst, and pearls.

b) The same jewels that adorned the foundations of the Holy City also adorned the priests’ breastpieces. They also represent the 12 Tribes of Israel. This is God’s chosen people.

7) We see the same symbols and reverence for God’s chosen people in the Old Testament carry over to our times in the New Testament. God never forgot His chosen people and the tribes of Israel. They are just as important to Him today as then. We see the foundations had the names of the 12 apostles on them, which shows how they helped spread the Gospel and were an intricate part of God’s plan. After all, our faith is built on Jesus and His Word.

8 ) The Holy City shone with God’s glory. It is perfect because God made it so. The Holy City is fortified for protection and security. It’s made from the best materials, so you know it won’t ever fall down. These attributes are important because they represent God’s Holy nature. This should encourage us that in the coming age, we will be made whole again. We will dwell with God forever and ever!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 27, Day 3: Revelation 21:11-21

Again, so beautiful! Everything is thought out in advance, from the foundations to the gates. It’s so wonderful to envision!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 27, Day 3: Revelation 21:11-21

You might ask why is there a wall if all of God’s enemies are vanquished. The wall gives the city boundaries and definition, and it excludes the non-righteous who cannot enter.

The layout of the gates can be compared to the camp layout in Exodus (Numbers 2).

The New Jerusalem and the church itself are founded upon the teachings of the apostles (Ephesians 2:20).

The point of the square is that it mimicks the fact that the tabernacle (a holy place) was laid out in a square, meaning the entire city is Holy.

The size of this space is large, showing there is plenty of room for God’s children.

The jewels and precious stones show us just how much God values us. It is means to show us beauty beyond compare, which is what God wants to give us! It shows God’s holiness, too.

Transparency shows we can see God’s glory everywhere.

We should not be able to comprehend the beauty of this place; after all, God made it!